Mikey Moore: Who is Spurs' newest star?

An exciting prospect has emerged at Tottenham Hotspur and, according to head coach Ange Postecoglou, he's now ready to start in the Premier League.

Mikey Moore, who only turned 17 in August, was selected in Spurs' Europa League line-up for the second time on Thursday night, as they defeated AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League.

"I think he's ready to play, to start a Premier League game for sure," said Postecoglou, in his press conference for Sunday's match against Crystal Palace.

"He's very mature for a 17-year-old, he handles things really well, both positive and negative. He works hard every day and he's making an impact, at an age where it's very difficult to make an impact at this level."

Moore's admirers include the player who captained Spurs against AZ Alkmaar, James Maddison.

"From minute 45 to 65, I thought we had Neymar on the wing, " said Maddison, as he reflected on the teenager's sensational performance.

With Son Heung-min rated "unlikely" to be fit, Moore's dynamic display has raised the prospect of him starting against Palace.

That will excite the Spurs fans who already sing his name enthusiastically - but who exactly is this rising star?

Moore's beginnings

Moore was born in Southwark, south London, on 11 August 2007 and joined Spurs' academy at the age of seven.

Rapidly climbing through the ranks, Moore made a remarkable impact for the Under-18s during the 2022/23 season while still a schoolboy.

He played a crucial role in helping the team achieve an Under-18 and Under-17 Premier League Cup double, notably scoring a dazzling brace in the latter final against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Across the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, he impressively netted 19 goals and provided 13 assists in 24 matches for Spurs' Under-18s.

In April 2023, Moore became the youngest player to appear for Spurs' Under-21s since the formation of Premier League 2, making his debut as a 15-year-old against Manchester United.

Playing style and position

Moore's stellar performances in the academy have highlighted his exceptional dribbling, close ball control and technique, making him a nightmare for defenders, especially in tight spaces where he thrives in one-on-one situations.

He consistently creates chances for both himself and his team-mates, showcasing a superb weight of pass and a keen eye for goal.

Primarily operating as a winger, Moore favours the left flank but is also comfortable playing on the right. He also featured more centrally in the academy teams, demonstrating his versatility and ability to adapt to different attacking roles.

Moore's goal for Spurs U21s v Bristol Rovers

International recognition

Moore has represented England at various age groups and received his first call-up to the Under-19s at the start of this season.

He shone at the Under-17 European Championship in the summer, scoring four goals in the group stage, including a stunning solo effort against France and a long-range strike against Spain that helped the young Lions advance to the knockout stage.

Moore's brace for England U17s v France

Moore's goal for England U17s v Spain

Stepping up to the senior side

Moore became Spurs' youngest-ever player to appear in the Premier League - at the age of 16 years, nine months, and three days - when he made his first-team debut on 14 May 2024, as a substitute against Manchester City. He also came off the bench in the final match of the season against Sheffield United.

The teenager continued to make his mark at senior level in pre-season, scoring against Hearts, then registering an assist against Queens Park Rangers. He followed that up with a late winner against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo.

Spurs' confidence in Moore's potential was reflected when he signed his first professional contract with the club on 12 August 2024, just one day after his 17th birthday. A significant step in his promising career.

Moore's pre-season goal v Hearts

Impressing this season

After making his first appearance of the season off the bench in the final moments against Brentford, Moore more notably played the last 15 minutes in Spurs' impressive 3-0 victory over Man Utd at Old Trafford.

He provided further evidence of his confidence by picking up the ball on the edge of the box and sending a curling effort just wide in the closing stages. After the match, the travelling fans chanted his name, highlighting his popularity already.

Moore's first start for the club, against Ferencvaros earlier this month, was also significant because it made him the youngest starter for an English club in the Europa League since 2009.

He was heavily involved in the build-up to both Spurs' goals and had more touches than any of the other attackers and midfielders, aside from Yves Bissouma, who was at the heart of his team's midfield.

Such a statistic reflects not only Moore's comfort and influence on the field, but also how much his senior team-mates trust him to contribute.

"It’s a big step but it is one I am ready to take," said Moore, after the match.

He also expressed his gratitude to Postecoglou, adding: "I am thankful for him putting his trust in me. He is helping me all the time and so are all the coaching staff."